Skip to main content
Sacred PlacesIndia

Hindu Pilgrimage Sites Outside India

While India is the birthplace of Hinduism, the religion's sacred geography extends far beyond its borders. From the snow-capped Himalayas of Nepal to the tropical shores of Sri Lanka, the volcanic peaks of Indonesia, and the limestone caves of Malaysia, Hindu pilgrimage sites around the world draw millions of devotees seeking spiritual merit, divine blessings, and a connection to ancient traditions. This guide covers the most important Hindu pilgrimage destinations outside India, organized by deity and tradition.

Shaiva Pilgrimage — Shiva Temples Abroad

Lord Shiva is worshipped across the globe, with several ancient temples outside India holding immense spiritual significance. The Pancha Ishwarams of Sri Lanka are five legendary Shiva temples dating back over two millennia.

Pashupatinath Temple

Kathmandu, Nepal

One of the holiest Shiva temples in the world, part of UNESCO Kathmandu Valley

Koneswaram Temple

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

First of the Pancha Ishwarams, ancient coastal Shiva temple

Munneswaram Temple

Chilaw, Sri Lanka

Second Pancha Ishwaram, known for its vibrant Navaratri festival

Prambanan

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Trimurti temple complex, central Shiva shrine rises 47m

Vaishnava Pilgrimage — Vishnu Temples Worldwide

Lord Vishnu's temples outside India range from ancient mountain shrines in Nepal to the largest religious monument on Earth in Cambodia.

Muktinath Temple

Mustang, Nepal

One of 108 Divya Desams, 108 water spouts for salvation

Angkor Wat

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Originally dedicated to Vishnu, world's largest religious monument

Murugan Pilgrimage — Subramanya Shrines

Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) is widely worshipped in South India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. His temples are major pilgrimage destinations, especially during Thaipusam.

Batu Caves

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

World's tallest Murugan statue (42.7m), major Thaipusam site

Shakti Pilgrimage — Goddess Temples Abroad

The Divine Mother is worshipped in various forms at temples across the globe, from Southeast Asia to the Caribbean diaspora.

Pura Besakih

Bali, Indonesia

Mother Temple of Bali, dedicated to the Trimurti on Mount Agung

Tanah Lot

Bali, Indonesia

Iconic sea temple dedicated to the sea gods

Related Guides

World Hindu TemplesMost Beautiful Hindu TemplesWorld Famous Hindu TemplesUNESCO Hindu TemplesUNESCO Temples in India

Sources & References

These are the published records this page draws on. Each entry names the body that issued it and the specific claims on this page that it backs, so you can check them yourself rather than taking our word for it.

  1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    UNESCO World Heritage List — India

    World Heritage inscription criteria, Outstanding Universal Value statements and the year of listing for the sites named on this page.

    World Heritage documentation

    Open source (opens in a new tab)

  2. Encyclopædia Britannica

    Encyclopædia Britannica — reference entries on Indian art, religion and history

    Reference background on the historical figures, dynasties and religious traditions named on this page.

    Reference source

    Open source (opens in a new tab)

— every record linked above was re-requested for this release, so the link still resolves and the publisher still serves the document. It is a link check, not a re-verification of every sentence on this page.

Missing something, or found an error? Send us a correction with the record that supports it, or read how we choose sources.

Continue Your Sacred Journey

Explore historical timelines, architectural traditions, and primary documentation across India's sacred temples and pilgrimage circuits.

Explore More Temples